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Home > Spaces and species > UrbanLife > Roadside Nature Reserves

 

cowslip in the grass at the Bromham Bypass Roadside Nature Reserve
Bromham Bypass Roadside Nature Reserve. Photo by Heather Webb

Roadside nature reserves

 

One doesn’t normally associate roads with nature. But did you know that Bedfordshire’s road verges host some of the county’s most beautiful – and sometimes rare – species?

 

Many of our roadside nature reserves (RNR) are rich in flowers. There are two reasons for this. First, unlike many farm grasslands, road verges are not sprayed with pesticides or fertilisers. This allows a more natural and varied plant community to grow. Second, road verges are mown from time to time. Mowing acts a little like a herd of sheep. It prevents bushes and tree saplings from establishing themselves and shading out sun-loving flowers and other herbaceous plants. Common road verge plants include Oxeye Daisy, Hawkweed, Harebell, orchids and of course grasses and sedges.

 

Where there are flowers there are insects too. Road verges can host a wide variety of insects, in particular pollinators, which are drawn to the sweet nectar. Bees and butterflies like the Small Blue, Chalk-hill Blue and Small Copper may be found on road verges, flitting from blossom to blossom. Grasshoppers and crickets are also common road verge residents. Their characteristic “singing” can be heard in late summer.

 

There are currently 36 Roadside Nature Reserves in Bedfordshire. Each is marked with a small brown “NR” sign: it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. So next time you’re whizzing along the motorway in a car or bus, remember the diverse group of creatures sharing the road with you.

 

Or better yet, why not stop and smell the flowers?

 

 

 

 

 

wooden arrow signPlease be careful and courteous when visiting roadside nature reserves. Make sure you are visible to oncoming traffic; a high-visibility vest or jacket is recommended. If you drive to an RNR, take care not to block the road or access to adjoining properties.

 

 

 

 

 

Year of the Bat logo

2011-12 is the Year of the Bat! Click here to find out more!

 

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The Winter 2011/12 issue of Wild About Beds is out: have a look at what we're up to!

                                              

The November 2010 issue of the Beds & Luton Geology Group newsletter is out. Click here for the latest scoop!

 

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Feb 2011:

Check out our report: A Model to Predict Wildlife Site Sensitivity to Visitor Pressure

Bedfordshire & Luton Biodiversity Partnership

℅ The Wildlife Trust, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane Bedford MK41 9DJ